30 of the Best Books for 10 Year Old Boys to Read

Published:
May 9, 2025

Sarah Shelton

Contributor:
Sarah Shelton

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Finding the right book for a young boy can make all the difference in turning him into a lifelong reader. It’s important to find exciting stories that will spark their imagination. You won’t want to miss this list of the Best Books for 10 Year Old Boys.

Best Books for 10 Year Old Boys with a boy reading a book outside

Best Books for 10 Year Old Boys to Read

This list of books is packed with exciting adventures, hilarious characters, and fascinating worlds—perfect for keeping your boys hooked.

No matter his interests, there’s a book on this list that will make reading fun and enjoyable for any 10-year-old boy.

Science Fiction Books for 10 Year Olds

Science fiction books are a great choice for 10 year olds because they open up new worlds with adventure and interesting ideas.

These stories challenge young minds to think differently while keeping them entertained with exciting twists and unforgettable characters.

1. A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle – This great book takes readers on a mind-bending journey through space and time as Meg and her friends set out to rescue her father. With mysterious creatures, powerful themes, and a thrilling adventure, it’s a must-read for young sci-fi fans.

2. The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster – When Milo drives through a magical tollbooth, he’s transported to a strange world where words and numbers come to life. This clever and whimsical tale is often a favorite book for boys who love wordplay, puzzles, and adventure.

3. Dogtown by Katjherine Applegate – In a futuristic world where robots and real dogs coexist, one scrappy stray fights to find a forever home. This book has humor, heart and a unique setting, and perfect for animal lovers.

4. Animorphs by K.A. Applegate – This first book in a thrilling series follows a group of kids who gain the power to morph into animals to fight an alien invasion. Fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with tough choices, it’s a gripping sci-fi adventure that keeps readers hooked.

5. Spaceboy by David Walliams – Set in 1960s America, Spaceboy follows 12-year-old Ruth, a space-obsessed orphan who stumbles upon an alien crash which sends her off on a thrilling adventure. It’s a funny, fast-paced sci-fi tale full of humor.

Graphic Novels for 10-Year-Old Boys

If you have a young boy who struggles to enjoy reading, graphic novels might be the perfect solution! Unlike a traditional novel, a graphic novel reads more like a comic book, making it fun and enjoyable, especially for struggling readers.

These books offer a different way to experience stories, with exciting drawings and text to capture kids’ attention.

6. Animorphs Graphic Novels by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant –  Based on the popular, bestselling science fiction series, these new full color graphic novels bring the stories to life by illustrator Chris Grine.

7. The Brilliant World of Tom Gates – This illustrated fiction series follows Tom Gates, a doodle-loving, mischievous schoolboy who navigates everyday life with humor and creativity. Tom’s adventures are packed with laughs, fun sketches, and relatable school life moments. Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

8. Amulet Series by Kazu Kibuishi – This great book series follows two siblings who discover a magical amulet that pulls them into a world filled with robots, talking animals, and epic battles. With stunning artwork and an action-packed story, it’s perfect for adventure-loving kids.

9. Hilo Series by Judd Winick – This hilarious and heartwarming sci-fi adventure follows a boy who crash-lands on Earth with no memory of who he is. Packed with humor, friendship, and exciting action, it’s a favorite book for kids who love fun and adventure.

Historical Fiction for Boys

Historical fiction is a great way to help boys connect with the past through exciting stories and real life adventures. These books will bring history to life and make the events real and personal for your kids.

10. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis – Set during the Great Depression, this heartwarming story follows Bud, a boy on a journey to find his father. Filled with humor, courage, and unforgettable characters, it’s a good book for kids who love adventure and history.

11. Conkers Series by Tom Palmer – This historical fiction series brings World War II to life through the eyes of young heroes facing incredible challenges. These books are perfect for boys who love war stories and bravery.

12. Flashback Four Series by Dan Gutman – A group of kids travels back in time to witness and photograph major historical events, from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address to the Titanic. This series blends history with time-traveling excitement, making learning fun for reluctant readers.

13. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry – In Nazi-occupied Denmark, Annemarie helps her Jewish best friend escape to Sweden. With courage and quick thinking, she aids the Danish Resistance, risking everything for friendship and freedom.

14. The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare –Left alone in the wilderness, Matt befriends Attean, a Native American boy who teaches him survival skills. As their friendship grows, Matt must choose between his old life and a new way of living.

15. I Survived Series by Lauren Tarshis – Each book follows a young protagonist surviving real historical disasters told through a kid’s perspective like the Titanic, 9/11, or Pompeii. Fast-paced and engaging, the series brings history to life with stories of courage and resilience.

Mystery Books

Mystery books are a fantastic way to keep a 10-year-old boy engaged in reading, as they challenge him to think critically while enjoying thrilling adventures.

These stories have the perfect combination of suspense, puzzles, secret codes, and daring escapes that make them perfect for this age group.

16. Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon – These classic stories follow brothers Frank and Joe Hardy as they solve thrilling mysteries, uncover hidden clues, and take on dangerous criminals. it’s a good book series to introduce your kids to detective series with action-packed cases and plenty of suspense.

17. Addison Cooke Series by Jonathan W. Stokes -This action-packed adventure is like Indian Jones for kids! Addison and his friends as they embark on global treasure hunts, outsmarting bad guys and solving ancient riddles along the way.

18. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart – A group of gifted kids is recruited for a secret mission to stop a mysterious villain in this puzzle-filled adventure. The whole series is great for kids who enjoy mysteries, teamwork, and clever problem-solving.

19. 39 Clues by Rick Riordan – This series of books will take your boys on a fast-paced treasure hunt around the world, where two siblings race to uncover secrets about their powerful family. It’s full of plenty of action, history and mystery to keep

Fantasy Series

Fantasy books are a big hit with boys, whisking them away to epic adventures filled with magic, mythical creatures, and unlikely friendships. With brave main characters facing incredible challenges, fantasy books make reading an exciting and unforgettable journey.

Whether it’s his first time diving into fantasy or he’s already a book lover, these stories have plenty of action to keep him hooked.

20. Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan – The Percy Jackson books follow a modern-day boy with dyslexia, who discovers he’s the son of a Greek god. This launches him into a world of demigods, monsters, and epic quests. With humor, action, and mythology, this series is a thrilling ride for adventure-loving kids.

21. Ranger’s Apprentice Series by John Flanagan – This action-packed adventure follows Will, an orphan chosen to train as a Ranger, where he learns stealth, archery, and how to protect his kingdom. With strong friendships and intense battles, it’s a great pick for boys who love medieval settings.

22. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling – Set in a magical world of wizards, spells, and adventure, this series follows Harry and his friends as they battle dark forces and uncover hidden secrets. It’s a must-read for any boy who dreams of magic and heroic quests.

23. Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland – This dragon series is packed with adventure, war, and destiny as young dragons fight to bring peace to their world. With a gripping storyline and perspectives from different dragon characters, it’s an exciting choice for boys who love dragons.

More Great Books for Boys

Finding the right book can make all the difference in getting boys excited about reading. Whether they love adventure, mystery, or humor, these books are sure to capture their imagination!

24. Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snickett – The Baudelaire orphans must outsmart the evil Count Olaf, who is after their inheritance. Full of mystery, dark humor, and clever wordplay, this series keeps readers hooked.

25. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl – James escapes his miserable life by climbing into a giant peach and embarking on a magical adventure with a group of talking insects. A whimsical classic full of fun and imagination.

26. The Blunders by David Walliams – The Blunders are a hilariously chaotic family who always find themselves in ridiculous situations. A laugh-out-loud book perfect for kids who love silly stories full of humor and mischief.

27, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen – After a plane crash, 13-year-old Brian is stranded in the wilderness with only a hatchet. He must learn to survive alone, facing hunger, wild animals, and his own fears.

28. The Green Ember by S.D. Smith – A faith-inspired allegory about heroic rabbits fighting for good. As they uncover their family’s legacy, they join a resistance fighting for a future filled with truth and light.

29. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin – Sixteen heirs are mysteriously gathered to solve the puzzle of millionaire Samuel Westing’s will. As they compete to uncover the truth, they face twists, secrets, and unexpected alliances in this clever and humorous story.

30. The Last Treasure by Janet Anderson – Twelve-year-old Ellsworth Smith is drawn into a family mystery when he visits his estranged relatives in their historic home. As he uncovers hidden clues, he must solve a treasure hunt tied to his family’s past before it’s too late.

Free Reading Tracker for this Boy’s Book List

best books for 10 year old boys tracker with list of 30 books

FREE Reading Tracker | Books for 10 year old Boys

We know it can be hard to remember this best books for 10 year old boys so we’ve created a FREE book tracker for you. In addition to the titles we’ve also included a place to record the date read, a quick comment space as well as the option to give each book a 1-5 heart rating.

Be sure to keep a copy with your records at the end of the school year.

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